The appointment commenced on 5th January 2021, transitioning the region from leadership under executive director Phil Richardson, who is due to retire in the spring.

Curtins is most well known for their civil and structural engineering services, but also offers transport planning, environmental, infrastructure, geotechnical, conservation and principal designer specialisms from Glasgow, Edinburgh and its network of 12 other offices in the UK and Ireland.

Ms Smith’s new position will see her heading up Curtins’ teams in Glasgow and Edinburgh, whilst working from the consultancy’s Edinburgh office on Belford Road.

She will be supported by Paul Porter (Edinburgh) and Gordon McPherson (Glasgow) who have accumulated over 35 years with Curtins between them.

Ms Smith joins the organisation at a crucial time in its 60-year history, as the industry recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and adjusts to the effects of Brexit.

She said: “I have lived and worked in this beautiful part of the country for many years and I’ve become increasingly aware of Curtins’ positive impact on Scotland’s built landscape. I’m delighted to have become part of their story.

“There are certainly challenges ahead of us this year, but through Curtins long-lasting partnerships with clients, coupled with an ability to deliver both multimillion-pound schemes and the attention to detail required for smaller projects, I am confident that the business will continue to see success in 2021.

“I am looking forward to building on the relationships that will bring about this growth and stability.”

During Ms Smith’s time at Stantec she contributed to transformative projects in Scotland. They include the library refurbishment and Tennis Centre for Heriot-Watt University, feasibility for the University of Edinburgh’s Main Library and The Advanced Forming Research Centre for the University of Strathclyde.

Prior to that Ms Smith provided expertise on landmark projects including the V&A Museum in Dundee.

Early in her new role, Smith will oversee Curtins’ continuing involvement in projects that include the new Nucleus Hub at the University of Edinburgh, the Cancer Bridging Project at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital and Boclair Academy in Bearsden. Her role will also oversee the Integrated Ophthalmology Unit and three-storey extension, which accommodates six orthopaedic operating theatres, at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.

Ms Smith takes over from Phil Richardson who, after 36 years in the industry, will be retiring in the spring.

Mr Richardson said: “In the 23 years that I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Curtins team, the business has come a long way.

“I joined the Edinburgh office in 1997 with the young Rob Melling, who has since become our Chief Executive in Liverpool, and we’ve seen Curtins grow from 11 offices in the early nineties to 14 today. This expansion has included Curtins new office in Glasgow in 2016, as a reflection of the growing market in Scotland.

“Janice brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership to Curtins and I am delighted that she is joining the team.”

As a SER certifier, Ms Smith possesses experience certifying a wide range of structures across the residential, commercial and education sectors. These include new build projects as well as alterations, refurbishments and extensions to existing properties.

Executive director at Curtins, Neil Parkinson, added: “Janice joins us at an extremely important time for Curtins. She brings extensive knowledge of the region and an ambition to build Curtins’ reputation in the area. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits of her approach.”